Contenders to replace Jose Mourinho
Now that Jose Mourinho has been let go by Chelsea for a second time, who is going to be picked to step into this high profile opportunity and turn the tide from all the recent failures? The club sit just one point above the relegation zone after losing nine of their 16 games this season.
Soccer News: Guus Hiddink favorite to replace Jose Mourinho at Chelsea
Chelsea have parted company with Jose Mourinho after two days of crisis board meetings, with Guus Hiddink the front-runner to slot in as interim boss. Blues chiefs insisted Mourinho had left the club “by mutual consent” in a statement on Thursday afternoon, before starting work on securing a short-term replacement for the 52-year-old.
Mourinho has been relieved of his role just seven months after guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title, owing to the dismal run of nine defeats in 16 league matches this term. Brendan Rodgers and Juande Ramos had been touted as candidates to take over at Chelsea until the end of the season, but the Blues are likely to hand Hiddink his second caretaker role at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent,” the London club’s statement read. “All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013. His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.”
“But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways. The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge. The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.”
The Blues are thought to favour Italy manager Antonio Conte as their top choice for a long-term appointment, but his contract runs until after Euro 2016.
First-team coach Steve Holland could take charge of Saturday’s home Premier League clash with Sunderland, to hand the Blues board more time to complete the search for Mourinho’s short-term replacement. Former Holland manager Hiddink took interim charge at Chelsea in 2009 after the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari, and could now reprise his caretaker role in west London.
Here SoccerToday looks at the candidates to succeed the self-proclaimed Special One. Analysis provided from Press Association Sport.
Carlo Ancelotti
Will Chelsea return for another man who enjoyed great success? The Italian, who won the 2010 Premier League and FA Cup double and finished second the following season before being sacked, is available after leaving Real Madrid. He was popular at Stamford Bridge and apparently wishes to return to England.
Pep Guardiola
The former Barcelona boss was reportedly coveted by Roman Abramovich while on sabbatical before the former Spain midfielder opted for Bayern Munich. His contract with the Bavarians ends this summer and speculation of a switch to Manchester City is growing in strength. But Chelsea may still try to tempt him.
Diego Simeone
The former Argentina midfielder has enjoyed a fine period as Atletico Madrid boss, breaching the hegemony of Barca and rivals Real with an attractive style, while beating Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup and Champions League in the process. The Blues have looked to Atletico for players, now for a manager?
Fabio Capello
The autocratic Italian’s reputation in England is far from strong after his poor reign as national team boss. But his club pedigree with AC Milan and Real Madrid is good and he is still in touch with his former England captain John Terry. He is out of work after leaving Russia and could be an interim option.
Guus Hiddink
If Chelsea need a stop-gap option, they could look to someone who has done the job before. No, not Rafael Benitez, who is now Real Madrid boss, but Dutchman Hiddink. His three-month spell from February 2009, after the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari, saw Chelsea win the FA Cup and finish third in the Premier League.
Antonio Conte
The Italy boss may not move ahead of Euro 2016, but reportedly has admirers among the Chelsea hierarchy. He had a glowing caeer at Juventus, first as a player, then as a manager, guiding them to three successive Serie A titles.
Massimiliano Allegri
The Italian led Juventus to the Serie A title and Champions League final in 2015 and could be an outside bet to replace Mourinho, but Chelsea have made bold choices in the past and it could happen again.
John Terry
The club captain, now 35, has been reading management books for the last few years and recently had Sir Alex Ferguson’s “Leading” for company on a flight back from a match. Some have argued Terry has been in charge of Chelsea for years, maybe he could be handed the opportunity to prove it.
Juande Ramos
Former Tottenham boss would be a left-field appointment but has been mentioned often over recent days. Has has a long and well-travelled career and most recently took charge of Dnipro. Would in no way be a long-term appointment.
